Hayloft

A hayloft is a space above a barn, stable or cow-shed, traditionally used for storage of hay or other fodder for the animals below.

The hayloft is filled with loose hay from the top of a wagon, thrown up through a large door, usually some 3 metres (10 ft) or more above the ground, often in the gable end of the building.

Some haylofts have slots or holes (sometimes with hatches), each above a hay-rack or manger in the animal housing below.

A mow is exposed to the weather, only elevated on a small platform off the ground.

Many farmers now use bales of hay so large they must be handled by machinery, and these are normally stored in more open buildings or outside.